A/N: Emma and Jake on the beach above :D
The Werewolf Council Head Office
The three leaders of all werewolves sat together debating the developing situation. As of yesterday there now exist a threat to the entire werewolf race. The creature was different, unlike anything they have ever seen before. They decided that they needed to consultant with other supernatural leaders in order to find something, anything of the creature's existence. While it sounds easy it was not so. The world was split apart into two major entities the werewolves and the witches, the rest of the supernatural was so small they couldn't stand alone and therefore they chose sides. Those who believed in protecting mankind and those who want to rule it. The fairies, elves and dragons to name a few sided with the werewolves while the sirens, ghouls and imps for example sided with the witches.
Every supernatural being have a certain amount of good within them some more than others, these are the factors that decide which side they belong on, however there are the few that fight their nature. Witches for example are the biggest contradiction. Born as god's children to protect earth and its people but they instead want to rule it. Then there were the vampires the one supernatural creature who has not a drop of good, their famous red eyes represented chaos and evil. Only truly evil beings can have red eyes as it signified the fact that they had no soul. Therefore the reason all supernatural races band together to kill them is because while one would think they would side with the witches that is not so. They would kill any and everything they could, they can't be tamed or controlled.
Demetrius sighed as they contacted the last of the leaders. The most they got was that the creature had no soul as a result of its red eyes normally this would classify it a vampire but there wasn't anything normal about this whole thing. The way it was surprise at its own strength after breaking the border patrol, Rick's collar bone by accident. A vampire would do it intentionally also the fact that it killed by breaking their necks, a vampire drains their victims' blood. Then the biggest issue, the fact that they carried venom.
It was debatable that the creature was a hybrid. While Emma was the only known hybrid in existence there is a chance that there could be others. But would god do that? Create something that can kill his children? No. This whole situation was fishy and Demetrius had a hunch the witches had something to do with it. After all, right as Emma arrived at the Crescent Wolf Pack the entire witch council disappeared off the radar. The werewolf council still can't find them. Then after Emma broke the mate bond the attacks started happening. While this theory seemed logical there was one loophole, the creature, how exactly is it connected to the witches? How did they even find such a creature much less to control it? So many unanswered questions.
"Do you think we can get the help of the mermaids?" Aries questioned hopefully.
"I highly doubt it. After all they made it clear they want nothing to do with the surface world when they severed their ability to have legs during the night. They have never surfaced in almost three hundred years since the beginning of the war, they wouldn't do it now." Roderick spoke.
While the werewolves where one third of the earth's population the mermaids were also great in numbers being second to the werewolves in that regard. It is the only reason werewolves can hold their own against the witches, they had numbers. The mermaids however used to live on both the land and the ocean until the war began.
The King lost his son the crown prince to the witches. He then decreed that all mermaids would never walk on land again. Using his trident he took away all his people's ability to gain legs at night and the entire mermaid race abandoned their castle and retreated to the depths of the ocean. It is rumoured that their new fortress lays deep within the Bermuda triangle but no one knows for sure. Till this day no one has ever been able to find them.
"Don't you think it's suspicious that the creature only started attacking after Emma broke the bond? Also the fact that the entire witch council is currently in hiding. Something doesn't add up." Demetrius speculated.
"Your right, just as Emma arrived at the island the witches disappeared that is something to be suspicious of. They are not supposed to sense her exact location even when she lifts the seal, all they get is a general location. The longer she stays without the seal the more precise her location will appear to them." Aries analysed.
"So then you are thinking that the witches sent the creature?" Rodrick questioned astonished.
"We can't overlook the possibility even if it sounds far fetched. At this point we need to make all possible connections. Then there is also the fact that the witches did not dispatch their execution team to kill the creature and that the creature seems to be looking for something by moving through the packs." Demetrius spoke.
"Let's just say they did send the creature, they did it after she broke the bond therefore logically they were able to find her. But the part that doesn't make sense is if they truly sent the creature why did they going into hiding? Why disappear even before they could locate her, before she broke the bond. Unless..." Aries trailed off.
"Unless what?" Demetrius demanded.
"Inside... unless there is someone working for the witches on the inside." Aries finished shocked at his conclusion.
"You mean to say, you think there is a werewolf working for the witches?" Roderick questioned.
"Think about it, the seal protects her from all witch magic, only a werewolf can locate her. If the witches truly sent the creature then they knew beforehand where Emma was. Maybe even waited for the right time to send the creature not to look suspicious. The biggest evidence right now is the fact that they still refuse to send out their execution team and they remain in hiding. Ask yourselves who would benefit to most from this? A creature that can wipe us all out. If they can torment a baby for eight years I wouldn't put this past them. The real questions are, what does the creature stand to gain from doing the witches' dirty work and who is the werewolf that betrayed us?" Aries finished.
Turning to Demetrius, Roderick spoke jokingly, "and you said I have an over active imagination."
"Actually, his theory makes sense. Everything fits, even the betrayal of a werewolf. There was no other way for them to know where she was without help from the inside." Demetrius considered.
"This is too farfetched, not to mention what happened the last time everything fit. We assumed it was a rogue vampire, we even sent our execution team before getting final confirmation and it turned out to be a lethal unknown supernatural. We were wrong. What if this time, we are wrong again and this time someone gets hurt. Also you really think a werewolf will betray us, his own race?" Roderick expressed worried.
"I'm not saying the witches did it. Just that we can't rule out any possibilities because it sounds unlikely to happen. Our race is in grave danger, we need to think with our heads not our hearts and no matter how sad it may be it is still possible a werewolf could have betrayed us to join the witches." Demetrius spoke sternly.
"Roderick, I understand how you feel about a werewolf betraying us but, as leaders we can't afford to let our emotions rule us at such an urgent time. Our entire race is at stake." Aries soothed.
Out of the three Roderick was a dreamer and a softie, always emphasizing with the werewolves. Aries was thorough and never left out any details, always thinking of all possible solutions and methods, though not as soft as Roderick he still wasn't as strict as Demetrius. Demetrius was stern and normally the one to carry out punishment he was also the leader of the council the very role Emma was next in line for.
"Okay, I get it. Then how will we find the traitor? It could be anyone." Rodrick questioned.
"True, our race takes up one third of the earth's population." Aries concluded.
"Actually you guys are forgetting something." Demetrius spoke thoughtfully.
"What?" They both questioned at the same time.
"The traitor supposedly gave the witches Emma's location." Demetrius spoke as if that one sentence explained everything.
"We know that, what are you getting at?" Roderick questioned growing irritated while Aires eyes lit up in knowing.
"That's it, the traitor would have to know Emma. They would have to be someone she trust for her to let them know she was going to the Crescent Pack." Aries finished.
Emma was like a ghost, never staying in one place too long. She was known as Alex throughout the werewolf society and that was only by a small fraction and even then many believed her to be a man because of the unisex name and the power she possess. Only the nobles and royals knew Alex was a woman and only the council knew her completely being the fact that they raised her.
"That really narrows it down, there is only a few people she might tell." Roderick spoke.
"We will carry out this investigation ourselves, no one can be trusted. Inform Emma about this she needs to be on alert in case there really is a traitor near her." Demetrius commanded.
"I really hope this investigation turns up empty or the witches could have access to all our secrets." Roderick spoke worried.
"Then let's hope they don't otherwise our chances of winning this war would be slim to none." Demetrius spoke gravely.
....
Emma POV
The third and final day was up. It was almost sunset now. My shadow stretched along the beach as I stood staring at the ocean with a heavy heart. I had decided to dress differently, in jeans shorts, converse and a shirt. My hair was lose and reached its full length by my hips but most importantly my face bare, I was finally letting him see my face.
Even though I told Alice I will have faith in him, as the seconds pass I grew more and more anxious. As Alex I knew there was nothing to worry about. I have seen his love and desire for me many times but I also saw the hate and disgust his eyes held for Alice or at the mention of humans and the weak. I began doubting him, would he really accept me as a human? Or will I lose the one thing I have always wanted.
My thoughts were interrupted when I heard footsteps from the distance and as a warm feeling grew within my chest I knew who it was. He'll be here soon, just a few more seconds. For the first time in a long time I was actually afraid of something that wasn't the witches. Taking a few deep breathes to calm myself I turned completely towards the ocean and with my back towards him as he emerged from the forest. His footsteps stopped right behind me I stood unmoving waiting for him to make the first move.
"Alex?" He questioned unsure.
Sighing I turned, it was judgment time.
Wearing dark jeans and a black button up and some black boots it seems like he came prepared for a date, when all I wrote in the little note I left was that I wanted to meet him on the beach at sunset. Then again, I guess that could be misunderstood. I then looked up into his eyes. Golden hues stared back at me in awe tracing every inch of my face, spending a few extra seconds on my lips before meeting my gaze. A soft smile grew on his face as the gold seemed to shine even brighter.
"It's you... " He spoke in amazement.
He then slowly lifted one hand to caress my face.
"You're really here, I'm not dreaming." He spoke excited as his smile grew into a wide grin.
"Does this mean you accept me? Can we now be together?" He questioned quite eager, so much so that he failed to realize I wasn't smiling back at him. In fact since he had arrived I kept a blank face.
I heard him mutter under his breath 'beautiful' before his arms were suddenly around me crushing me to him as he lifted me off my feet. I was surrounded by his warmth, his smell. Giving into him I relaxed hugging him back and breathing in his scent for I very well knew this could be the last time I get a moment like this with him. With that thought I decided this wasn't enough. If it really was our last moment being together I needed more.
Gently I pulled back from the hug and he followed still holding me in the air. We were now a breath away from each other as I stared into his still golden eyes. Like this we were the same height. As one of my hand went to his hair the other to his face as I traced it's every dip and curve into my memory.
Slowly he leaned forward and I followed and as our lips meet for a second time that day it felt like heaven. I wanted to stay here in his arms forever. This just felt right and I knew he felt it too as his hands tightened around me as if never wanting to let go.
Too bad, sometimes that's all a dream will ever be... a dream. Only if he pasts this test can be it reality.
Ending the kiss I then hinted for him to put me down which he did, reluctantly. Even then his arms stayed around me until I pried them off and took a step back. He sensed the change of mood and became more alert as his eyes raked my face for a clue.
"What's wrong? Did I do something?" He questioned now worried. He thought the distance I established was his fault.
"No I just wanted to talk to you about something. Well actually confess something." I spoke staring at the sand it was hard lying to him.
"Confess? Did something happen? Is something bothering you? You can tell me anything." He questioned concerned while he placed both his hands on my shoulders, the size of his big hands covered them completely.
Okay well maybe not everything will be a lie. Looking him straight in the eyes I spoke.
"I'm not who you think I am."
"What do you mean?" He asked now confused.
Shrugging his hands off my shoulders I continued.
"I'm not Alex." I spoke making eye contact because it was all the truth, at least this part.
"What do you mean you're not Alex, you are my mate I can feel it." He spoke determined grabbing my hand as if to prove a point as warm sparks erupted where he touched.
"I didn't say I wasn't your mate just that I wasn't Alex." I spoke still holding eye contact.
"That makes no sense I only have one mate or are you trying to say Alex isn't your real name is that what you needed to confess?" He was now trying to make sense of my words.
I stared at his boots with my next words.
"Have you ever wondered why Alex is so powerful?" I questioned softly.
This caught his attention, he suddenly looked a different kind of determine. Only seconds ago he was trying to convince me I was his mate now he was all ears.
"Image what would happen if a royal and a noble had children. They would be very strong right, at least the very least Alpha level. Now image if those children... were twins." I spoke then looked up at him.
He seemed frozen in time, staring at me in disbelief so I continued.
"My older sister Alex was stronger. You must know the facts surrounding werewolf twin's right? My sister was born a very powerful Royal even more powerful than our father and I was born hum- " Jake's hand was suddenly over my mouth stopping my words.
"Your just joking right? This is a prank right?" He questioned now visibly growing angry.
"Because it's not funny. You are my mate I know that, I can feel that but you're not human. No, you can't be!" He was practically screaming now however as his eye shifted from brown to golden to brown again I knew his wolf was fighting him.
Suddenly gripping both my shoulders he shock me violently as he growled out, "Say you're a werewolf!" He demanded in Alpha tone.
His anger came on so quickly it made my head spin. I was so shock by his behaviour it took me a second to realize he was actually talking to me now and not just shouting. As his hands reached for me again I responded stepping out of his reach.
"I'm sorry." I spoke staring at his boots. At my words the gold disappeared from his eye completely and his usual chocolate brown eyes came back but they didn't stay for long as it turned pitch black, this normally occurs when a wolf is extremely angry. He won the fight with his wolf at least for now.
"We can make it work the three of us but first I need to inform Alex that I'm here she doesn't know." I spoke to his feet yet again. Now he can freely make a decision without having to worry too much about 'Alex', the choice was his. I was right in doing so because as soon as I did his anger calmed a little and he seemed like he was thinking up a plan.
"She doesn't know you're here?" He questioned again maybe to be certain he heard right.
"No she doesn't, I came here as a surprise and found you. My boat is by the docks." I spoke uncertain about what he was getting at. I had a bad feeling about this. I didn't like the way he was looking at me now it was way too similar to how he looks at Alice.
He then took a deep breath and has face goes completely blank before looking straight at me with a new determination, one that didn't sit well with me.
"I reject you as my mate." He spoke before continuing.
"I only have one mate, your sister Alex. No human will be mine. An Alpha and a human that makes even less sense than my Beta and runt being mates."
I felt the pain before I understood his words. He had literally stuck his hand into my chest and ripped my heart out. Alice was right all along, and I being a love sick puppy thought he would change. Now along with the pain I felt stupid to believe he would love me as a human. He didn't love me because I was his mate. He loved me because I was powerful. My thoughts were interrupted when he spoke again unfazed but of course I was the one being rejected so only I would feel the pain.
"You need to get on your boat and off my pack's territory. I suggest you forget about your sister because you wouldn't be meeting her again. I wouldn't want you telling her anything useless and don't worry I'll take good care of her. You're lucky I'm being this civil with you human now get going." He spoke roughly giving me a push in the direction towards they docks.
"You're really going to do this? Reject me and then kick me out?" I questioned coming back to my senses, the pain was easing up.
"Yes, yes I am. There is no place for humans here and that includes you. Now start moving."
"Well then, it hurts to know that's the way you feel about me. I thought our bond was stronger, that you would love me no matter what."
"Mates are not just about love and the bond but about being the perfect match and your sister matches me better than you ever could."
"I see, I'll leave but there is one thing I need to say before I go."
"You can't convince me otherwise."
"Alpha Jake Aston you have failed your final test and so you are no longer Alpha of the Crescent wolf pack. I Emma Alex Jackson, a royal warrior of the council hereby strip you of your status until the council deems otherwise."
At first he froze completely at my words almost like he couldn't understand anything coming out of my mouth. Letting my red eyes show seemed to have snapped him out of his trance as I could practically see the gears turning in his head. As understanding of what just happened dawned on him his face paled and his eyes took on a frantic look as he searched mine. However he didn't find what he was looking for. It was too late he already rejected me.
I think that was his breaking point since he took a few steps to come right in front of me before dropping on his knee and tears started rolling down his face. This man, an alpha none the less, was crying at my feet. Too bad, I won't be fooled again.
Just then I heard heavy footsteps coming towards us at a speed that let me know that whoever it was were in fact running as fast as they could. Something was wrong. Glancing back at Jake he was in the same position, he didn't even realize something was wrong. As the person came closer I could see that they were in wolf form. It was Matthew one of the nobles the council had sent for me. Coming to a stop right in front of me he shifted almost instantly. Now standing before me naked. This caused Jake to release a growl finally noticing another's presence and a naked man at that.
"There's trouble by the cliff." Matthew spoke breathlessly from his dash here.
"That's where Carter is guarding. What happened?" I questioned now on alert.
"Carter is buying time so that I could find you. You have to hurry." Matthew spoke urgently.
"Why? What's wrong?" I questioned now a bit confused.
Matthew then responded gravely, "The creature, it's here."
. . . .